Hurricane season begins Wednesday, so it is time for residents along Georgia’s coast to prepare — especially those who may have functional or medical needs and no way to evacuate if a storm heading this way.

The Functional and Medical Needs Registry is made up of residents who may need transportation and medical assistance during an evacuation, and have no other resources such as family, friends, neighbors, or church members to help. Residents must apply to be on the registry and are encouraged to register now.

Those on the registry will be evacuated to an American Red Cross shelter in an inland county that will likely be in a gymnasium or similar setting and could be several hours away. The registry is a last resort, but if a hurricane threatens, it is important that health department officials know where the most vulnerable residents are so that assistance can be provided. People living in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and personal care homes are not eligible, and must follow their facility’s emergency plan.

Registrants are individuals who need services while in a shelter. This includes children and adults with physical, sensory, mental health, and cognitive and/or intellectual disabilities. Medical needs registrants are individuals who require support of medical professionals. This includes individuals who have unstable, terminal or contagious conditions that require observation and treatment.

To apply, residents should call the Liberty County Health Department at 912-876-2173. The Long County Health Department’s number is 912-545-2107. The application and protected health information authorization form can also be downloaded by going to www.gachd.org/liberty or www.gachd.org/long clicking on the Functional and Medical Needs Registration Information link under your county’s information.